Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

February 14, 1930 - July 4, 2017

Smith, Charles "Dick" R., age 87, died peacefully surrounded by his two children, on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 in Paramount Senior Living Center, Pittsburgh.

He was born February 14, 1930 in Seattle, Washington, son of the late Harry Bryan and Mary Saloma Humphrey Smith. He grew up in Warren, IN and graduated from Warren High School, IN 1946.

Smith proudly served in the Army in the 124th Armored Ordinance Maintenance Battalion and the 2nd Armored Division serving in Bad Krueznach, Germany.

He graduated from Purdue University with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. His career spanned International Harvester, General Motors and Westinghouse Electric Advanced Reactor Division where he was Manager of testing of the Fast Breeder Reactor, Madison, PA for 30 years. He enjoyed an extremely vibrant career at Westinghouse while being on the forefront of the development of Nuclear Energy. His career chronicles the nuclear industry of Westinghouse Electric.

After retirement, Charles and Karlene Ray, wife of 60 sixty years, traveled all 50 states, and spent several months in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Europe. Charles and Karlene also spent time sailing on the Chesapeake Bay. Charles had an eye for photography and earned many awards. He also contributed to the Warren, IN newspaper writing about what life was like during the Depression. Charles was an avid book reader and history buff; he will always be remembered for passing on the Fourth of July in celebrating our nation's independence.

Dick was a devoted dad and grandpa. He and Karlene were committed to seeing that his children and granddaughters went to college. He has passed along his passion for reading and book collecting. He will be missed.

Charles is preceded in death by his wife Karlene Ray Smith. Survivors include his son, Jeffrey R. (and Susan) Smith, Pittsburgh, PA, daughter Cathy Jane (and Jeffrey R.) Gamble, Coraopolis, PA; two granddaughters, Rebecca Joy Smith and Kelly Cora (and fiancé Joshua Lockwood) Nestman both of Pittsburgh, PA.

Friends will be received at the John F. Slater Funeral Home, 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood, PA on Friday, July 7, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. until the time of his service at 8 p.m. Burial will be at the South Whitley, IN Cemetery.

Family wishes Memorials to Paramount Senior Living Hospice and Palliative Services, 100 Knoedler Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15236.